Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The design of a meteorological station has to be according to the network
requirements. In particular, the station site, instrument exposure and location of
sensors has to be treated according to regulations. As an example, Figure 1.1 shows
the layout for a typical synoptic/climatological station according to WMO
regulations.
1.1.2.
Standards for climate data measurements
The term “standard” is related to the various instruments, methods, and scales
used to estimate the uncertainty of measurements. Amongst others, nomenclature for
standards of measurements is given in the
International Vocabulary of Basic and
General Terms in Metrology
issued by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) [ISO 93]. The following standards are included: measurement
standard, international standard, national standard, working standard, transfer
standard, traceability, etc.
Meteorological observations and measurements are highly standardized from
WMO or from NMSs. Such standardization is obvious if we takes into account the
influence of station surroundings (surface properties, influences from nearby
buildings, trees, etc) or of measurement observation procedures. From there
meteorological (climatological) measurements are standardized especially with
respect to:
- surface conditions in the nearby of the sensor;
- station surrounding;
- sensor-height above ground;
- procedure of reading;
- observation time.
However, practices are different and measurements are occasionally performed
under conditions that are different from the required standard, which have to be
archived in metadata information. This is especially true for the surface conditions
in the areas around the sensor and the station, whereas sensor height and
observation are generally in accordance with the standards. Standards are more
accurately considered in climate networks of weather services compared with
networks from other operators. When incorporating data from various other sources,
the standardization regulations of the data providers should be carefully considered.
1.1.3.
Climate data types
Classification of data types can be undertaken from different perspectives. Using
classical classification schemes used in GI science the following types of data are
used in meteorology and climatology.
